ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to get a proper diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can help you recognize that you may be suffering from symptoms common to adult ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires an assessment by a qualified. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for anyone of all ages, but the symptoms may differ slightly in adults. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to to transform their issues into tools that help them succeed in work and relationships.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and continue to cause significant problems in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things.
If you think you have symptoms of ADHD There are self-tests and ratings scales available online to help you determine if you might have the disorder. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist through the online directory of your health insurance.
They will go over your medical history, including your childhood, and how your health issues have affected your daily life at school, work, and home. They'll also inquire about any drug or alcohol use, your driving history, and what your relationship with your family and friends have been. It is important to be honest when speaking to your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD hide or deny their symptoms to others because they're scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Before a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is important to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history will also be provided.
If your results show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They may also recommend psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also suggest you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize software for planning and organizing to help you become more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive history of your symptoms that include when they first started and how they've affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history as it's common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, as well to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid issues.
You'll likely be asked to take a series psychological tests, including behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your performance. You could be asked to perform reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to assess your performance in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months consecutively and be having significant effects in several areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms caused a significant amount of problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to recognize that there are a variety of factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues and certain medications, for instance can all trigger some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Bring any evidence of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know which medications you're taking or taking, and if you've ever had a head injury or illness.
Adults who struggle with ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This type of treatment can help you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms and ensure that they don't affect your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or utilized on its own for adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a specialist in mental health who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and ask which specialists are covered. You can also join an area support group.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental healthcare professional who will perform an extensive evaluation and determine the condition. During your visit, be open about the issues you're experiencing at work and at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major problems you have faced like being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any previous health issues like anxiety or depression.
You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and contains 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency at which you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and provide you with scores that indicate whether you should consider seeking a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues but it's important that your doctor is aware about them to help you. In some instances your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the issues you're experiencing. This does not mean that your doctor is judging or blames you. adult adhd assessment london is simply to help them know how ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor might also suggest to undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your doctor might also ask to see any records that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from school. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood however they weren't serious enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should consult a professional who can perform an extensive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family physician). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also contact local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your clinician will ask you about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your life. This includes your school and work performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may wish to meet with your coworkers and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, but to gain additional information. Many people with ADHD have spotty or poor memories, especially from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain as much relevant information as possible to make a diagnosis.
Depending on your problem, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles and harness their strength. CBT can be combined with medications for ADHD treatment.
If you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools available on the Internet that allow you to rate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are not standardized nor scientifically validated and should be used only as general guidance.
Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so used to their difficulties that they tend to take them for granted. They might think that they're not proficient at certain things or that it's their own fault for having trouble maintaining their work or social commitments on track. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's failure and are more neurological. However, you can get control of your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and transform it into a positive force. This will lead to greater success in your job, improved personal relationships and a more meaningful life for those who are around you.